Persistent Prayer

Imagine the scene. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, troubled and provoked by Peninnah, the other wife, because she was childless, praying fervently in the temple at the annual feast of the tabernacle. The narrative tells us that Peninnah "provoked her grievously, in order to make her tremble" (1 Samuel 1:6,MKJV), so much so that Hannah wept and did not eat (v.7). The intensity of her emotions were of such that "she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Jehovah, and wept sorely" (v.10). Despite her state, we read that she "spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard" (v.13). Hers was not just a prayer, but one of supplication with motion, tears, and passion. Because all of this was taking place after everyone had eaten and drank, it is no wonder that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.

We know of course that she wasn't. In those days a woman's ability to have children was seen as her being favored of God, and because of the stigma of childlessness, Peninnah, who had borne Elkanah children, would provoke Hannah every year around this time (v.7). Elkanah did his best to show his love and devotion, but the ache in her heart could not be satisfied by his words. She had one need, a son, and the only person who could fill that need was Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. The tabernacle was the place that housed His presence among the nation of Israel, and what better place to make supplication. When Eli reprimanded her for being drunk, she replied, "No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have neither drunk wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before Jehovah. Do not count your handmaid for a daughter of wickedness, for out of the abundance of my meditation and grief I have spoken until now" (vv. 15-16).

There are many wonderful lessons in this narrative, but for our purposes we take note of Hannah's diligence in petitioning the Lord with her need. It is not enough that we become frustrated that our prayers are not answered after the first, second, third, or whatever number of times. While we do not know for how many years Hannah prayed, we know that on this particular occasion, her diligence and devotion bore fruit. After the family returned home, "Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and Jehovah remembered her. And it happened when the time had come around, Hannah conceived and bore a son and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of Jehovah" (vv.19b-20).

Jesus taught that we should be persistent in prayer (Luke 18:1-8). Paul encourages us to pray "always with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18), and again in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Our God still answers prayers. He may not respond on the first, second, or third call, but in due season, we will have whatever it is that we pray for that is in accordance with His will. Be encouraged. Jehovah "remembered" Hannah; He will "remember" you.